In Southern California, When Should I Plant Peonies?

Peonies are ideal for planting in Southern California during early spring, as they allow them to establish themselves and take 60 to 90 days to grow from seed indoors and transplant to the garden. Itoh peonies bloom in mid-May and require full to half-day sun, regular watering, and more care. To successfully grow peonies in California, give them enough water throughout the summer by soaking them every few days.

Planting peonies requires little maintenance, but they do not respond well to transplanting. The peony season in California concludes around June or two months later, right when summer starts. The best planting time is either November-December or late January-February. Site selection is crucial, with morning sun and afternoon shade being ideal for all planting zones.

Peonies grow to about three feet tall and wide and get even better with age. Tree peonies bloom in April, so they should be done before it gets too hot. The herbaceous ones should have afternoon shade. Plant bare root peonies in the fall, as they will grow more feeder roots and faster when they are planted in most months of the year.

In areas that freeze, plant peonies before the first frost and at least a week before the first frost. Plant peonies directly in deep, rich, moist soil, amending the soil with lots of water. Peonies generally get listed as good for up to zone 8, and Pasadena is solidly in zone 10.